Course content

The central topic of the course is evolutionary theory and its ecological applications. The course focuses on processes at both gene- and individual level, with an emphasis on animals. The course is divided into different parts based on subject content, including a written examination worth 10 credits and a literature project, exercises and seminars consisting of 5 credits. A central goal for the course is that the students acquire "ecolutionary thinking" in order to understand patterns in nature.

Evolutionary ecology

Based on Darwin's theory of evolution central concepts such as natural and sexual selection and the concept of fitness. Central is how proximate and ultimate explanations relate to each other and contribute to our understanding of ecological processes. Important methods to study ecological and evolutionary processes are also discussed.

Ecophysiology and migration

This section highlights the importance of organism's physiological and morphological adaptations and limitations, both at ecological and evolutionary time scales.

Life history strategies

This section focuses on questions about when, where, and how organisms optimally carry out different parts of their life-cycle, especially reproduction.

Mating systems and sexual selection

This section deals with social mating systems, extra-pair copulation, the evolutionary consequences of conflicts between the sexes and parent-offspring, as well as theories of sexual selection and mate choice.

Coevolutionary processes and signals

In this section, coevolutionary processes within and between species are discussed, including how these have evolved and maintained.

Scientific methodology

This is partly integrated in the other parts of the course, but contains also specific parts, which include scientific methodology, literature project (review of articles that are carried out individually), experimental design, as well as short practical projects.

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The course ends with a conference, where the students use their knowledge in animal ecology, scientific methodology (experimental design, statistics etc) and presentation technique to design a scientific study and present it in the form of a scientific talk.